Monterey Garden Insect Spray contains Spinosad, which is derived through fermentation of a naturally-occurring soil bacterium. Spinosad controls caterpillars, thrips, codling moth, leafminers, borers, fruit flies, fire ants, and more! Spinosad works on the insect's nervous system, causing paralysis and then death in 1-2 days. Since the insects are paralyzed, they may stay on the plants and be mistaken for live insects; always check for Spinosad's effect 2-3 days after spraying to evaluate control in the insect population.

OMRI listed Monterey Garden Insect Spray is safe to use with the following beneficial insects: minute pirate bug, ladybird beetles (lady bugs), green lacewing, and mite predators. However, it is toxic to bees; for this reason, applications should be made in the late evening and on plants that are not blooming, pollen-shedding, or nectar-producing.